Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre celebrates its 20th Anniversary!
2020 brings the 20th anniversary of the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s opening, a milestone for the venue and one that will be thoroughly celebrated. With this in mind, TMAC are launching 20 for 20: a celebration of 20 different events throughout the year that have been chosen to represent all of the different aspects of the work Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre has hosted over the years. As well as celebrating the past, 20 for 20 will look to the future and the plans, hopes and ambitions for the next 20 years.
The first seven events of 20 for 20 have been announced and all fall within Jan-Apr 2020. There is a special exhibition about the arts centre and its history, theatre by nationally acclaimed company Vamos Theatre, ballet by the excellent visiting company Ballet Theatre UK and comedy/magic from returning favourite Pete Firman. In addition, the annual The Page is Printed writing competition and Valentine’s Cream Tea for care home residents are part of the line-up and there’s a special Peace Child 2020 concert by Heathfield Community School which celebrates 30 years since the original production which was so important to the arts centre’s creation.
Centre Director, Andy Pulleyn said, ‘It’s amazing to think the arts centre is now 20 years old! When you look at all that has been achieved in that time it is a real testament to the incredible work by all of the staff and volunteers and who have been part of the Tacchi family. We’re so grateful to them all. Each year we have so many fantastic professional, community and educational productions, so choosing just 20 events was impossible. Needless to say we could have picked a completely different list! But ultimately the point is to celebrate all of the types of work that happens here and hopefully the events chosen provide that rounded representation of all we do and have done. It’s going to be a great year and we hope people will celebrate with us.’
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s mission to be a centre of excellence in the Performing Arts in education is ongoing and, like other theatres and arts centres, there are challenges that come with age. Therefore the 20 for 20 celebrations will also signal the launch of new fundraising campaigns and sponsorship opportunities, with TMAC aiming to undertake much needed renovations and improvements to the arts centre, as well as developing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly venue.
Centre Director, Andy Pulleyn added, ‘Thank you to all – past, present and future – who have supported the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre; we are indebted and ever grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners and audience who continue to support us. We very much look forward to the 20th Anniversary Celebrations and welcoming you in 2020.’
20 for 20 Events – The first 7 events
1. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Jan-Apr 2020
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre supports visual arts in Somerset by providing exhibition space for artists all year round. Exhibitors range from local professional artists, community arts groups, and local schools. This special exhibition will celebrate the 20th anniversary exploring the history of the venue.
2. Valentine’s Cream Tea – Wed 5 Feb
Identifying and serving different community groups is important to TMAC. We want all members of the community to feel welcome and part of the venue. This annual, free event for local care home residents represents the smaller types of events we hold throughout the year to provide for the different needs of our community.
3. Peace Child 2020 Concerts – Tue 25 Feb
Our special relationship with Heathfield Community School is the key element in delivering our shared vision of being ‘a centre of excellence in the Performing Arts in education’. The Heathfield Music department holds concerts throughout the year at TMAC creating enriching experiences for their students. This year they perform a special concert that brings together primary schools, Heathfield choirs and an adult orchestra to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Peace Child. It celebrates a show that started the relationship between the school and Kathleen Tacchi-Morris, and which ultimately led to the building of this arts centre.
4. Dead Good by Vamos Theatre – Fri 28 Feb
Programming theatre that meets the needs of audiences with different access requirements is a high priority for TMAC. Highly acclaimed, full mask-company Vamos Theatre return to TMAC for the fifth time with their new show Dead Good which is accessible to deaf audiences without a signer. This show represents the continuing relationships we have with companies such as Vamos and Frozen Light, a company who make shows for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and our commitment to access for all.
5. The Page is Printed Celebration Evening – Sat 21 Mar
Providing opportunities for local writers and promoting new writing is a passion for TMAC. The Page is Printed is an annual writing competition we have held since 2011. The celebration evening announces the winners and, more importantly, provides an opportunity for entrants to share their writing with a supportive, enthused audience.
6. Pete Firman & The Amazing TBC – Fri 27 Mar
Our professional touring programme aims to give audiences the opportunity to see shows by the best performers touring around the UK. Pete Firman comes to TMAC for the fourth time with his new show. Always delighting audiences with his special blend of comedy and magic, he represents the top quality comedy we aim to programme each year.
7. Ballet Theatre UK | Giselle – 4 Apr, Sense & Sensibility – 28 Jun, A Christmas Carol – 10 & 11 Dec
Kathleen Tacchi-Morris was a dancer and promoting dance of all kinds is a key priority for TMAC. Ballet Theatre UK bring their high-quality productions to TMAC numerous times each year and perform to sell-out audiences. Their shows represent our continuing commitment to dance and belief in the power of movement to communicate with us in ways words sometimes can’t.
Visit the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre website: www.tacchi-morris.com
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, School Road, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8PD